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B. R. BUTLER. FOLDING STRETGHER FOR PICTURES.

Patented Sept. 27, 1892,

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

EDUARD R. BUTLER, OF UEBERLINGEN, GERMANY.

FOLDING STRETCHER FOR PICTURES.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 483,280, dated September 27, 1892.

Application filed March 14, 1891. Serial No. 384,983. (No model.)

To aZZ whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, EDUARD RICHARD BUT- LER, of Ueberlingen, Baden, Germany, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Folding Stretchers for Pictures, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a folding frame or stretcher for carrying a painters canvas, which is so constructed that when the frame is opened the canvas is stretched and that when the frame is closed the canvas is not broken or damaged.

The invention consists in the various features of improvement, more fully pointed out. in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a rear view of my improved painters frame, showing it open. Fig. 2 is a side view thereof, showing it closed.

The letters a a represent the two sections of a frame to which a painters canvas is adapted to be attached. These sections are notched near their inner ends, and into the notches there are secured plates e, provided with curved slits d.

I) b are two arms for connecting the contiguous ends of sections a a. These arms are provided at each end with a pin or pivot c, that engages one of the slits (1. Thus the arms I) are connected to the sections a'in such a manner that the sections a turn on two separate and distinct pivots at opposite ends of arms b. To one of the sections a there are pivoted at f the catches 9, adapted to engage pins h on the other section. These catches hold the frame distended when opened and prevent its spontaneous collapse.

The frame when folded or closed, as in Fig.

2, may be provided wit-h a clamp that engages both the sections a and holds them together. This clamp consists of a screw-shank n, having a claw m, and of a tube 0, sliding on screwshank n and having a claw m. A winged nut 19, engaging screw-shank n and bearing against tube 0, permits the claws 'm m to be forced together, so as to bite into sections a. In this position a padlock may be passed through perforations q of screw-shank 'n. to prevent an unauthorized opening of the frame.

A handle '5 may be attached to the clamp, as in Fig. 2, or to the frame a, as in Fig. 1. In the latter case the handle may be provided with slits 2" to engage, a button 7r when the frame is closed.

It will be seen that with my improved frame the canvas will not be broken when the frame is folded or closed and thatit will be properly stretched when the frame is opened.

\Vhat I claim is- 1. The combination, in a folding stretcher for pictures, of a pair of frames provided with curved slits at their ends, with a pair of arms I), having pins that engage such curved slits, substantially as specified.

2. The combination of a pair of frames a with plates 6, having curved slits, arms I), having pins 0 engaging such slits, and with hook g and pin it, substantially as specified.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my invention I have signed my name in presence of two subscribing witnesses.

E. R. BUTLER.

Witnesses ANOES KRULARD, I-I. NOEKEL. 

